🇫🇮 IPCEI funding for industrial investments in biotechnology

March 19, 2026

Call for applications opening in summer 2026

The preparation of biotechnology-related IPCEI projects is progressing. The objective is to accelerate significant European investments and innovations in the field of biotechnology.

IPCEI – Key objectives in a nutshell

The aim of IPCEI projects (Important Project of Common European Interest) is to bridge the gap between research and commercialization in high-risk projects. These initiatives also support the development of European industrial ecosystems and value chains, as well as the strengthening of regional competitiveness. IPCEI reduces the risks associated with early-stage investments, making projects more attractive to private investors.

An Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) is governed by a dedicated EU state aid framework that allows member states to support companies’ first industrial-scale applications. For example, last year Business Finland granted EUR 60 million in investment aid to a renewable hydrogen and synthetic methanol production plant that had received IPCEI status.

New IPCEI projects funded as part of the Government’s Growth and Employment Package

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has earmarked funding for IPCEI projects to be implemented in Finland as part of the EUR 156 million growth and employment package. Funding decisions will be made by Business Finland.

“In Business Finland’s new strategy, we have identified biomaterials and biochemicals that replace fossil-based materials as key investment priorities. They are strategic investment areas for Finland’s industrial renewal, competitiveness, and economic growth, and we possess both the raw material base and deep expertise to support them. Opportunities arise, for example, from side streams of the forest industry as well as from strong research and piloting environments that can serve as platforms for new industrial solutions, value chains, and high value-added export products. It is important to recognize that IPCEI projects are not only substantial investments but also key instruments of strategic industrial policy that can accelerate Europe’s competitiveness,” says Lassi Noponen, Director General of Business Finland.

Finland coordinates the design phase of the IPCEI on bio-based materials

Three separate IPCEI project concepts are currently under preparation, focusing on bio-based chemicals and materials as well as bio-based food and feed ingredients. Finland is responsible for coordinating the design phase of the IPCEI concept related to bio-based materials. The aim is to advance all three workstreams on the same schedule.

The design phase officially began in December 2025 in cooperation with more than ten EU member states. During this phase, the content of the IPCEI concepts will be refined, national calls for proposals will be organized, and networking events will be held for companies from participating member states to support the building of value chains.

Preliminary schedule for 2026

• National call for applications: June–August
• International networking event: November–December
• Funding decisions will be made during 2027 based on the Commission’s notification process.

The exact opening date of the call, application guidelines, and further information will be published later on Business Finland’s website. Business Finland will organize an information session before the national call to help companies prepare for the IPCEI application process.

More information is available on the European Commission’s website: IPCEI – Competition Policy – European Commission.

Further information

Jari Seilonen
Chief Advisor
Business Finland
[email protected]

Originally published on March 19, 2026 by Business Finland.